HARRISON, N.J. -- Why now? Why would 31-year-old Rafael Márquez --captain of Mexico, Barcelona veteran, a player who can still compete at the highest level -- turn down interest from clubs all over Europe to join MLS's New York Red Bulls? That was the question I put to Márquez on Tuesday during a quiet moment after his presentation as the newest member of MLS's most upwardly mobile team.

NY eye Anelka moveNew York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry may soon be joined by an old friend.

Today’s edition of French sports daily L’Equipe says that the Red Bulls are quietly working on securing the services of French striker Nicolas Anelka, who would seem to be surplus at Chelsea FC after the acquisition of Fernando Torres

“As an organization, we decided to go a different direction with our coaching staff,” Erik Solér, RBNY’s GM and sporting director, said in a statement released by the club. “We want to thank Richie and Des for their contributions to our franchise and wish them good luck in their future endeavors.”

Red Bulls acquire De Rosario from Toronto FC
New York send Borman, Tchani, '12 pick to TFC for 5-time Best XI

NEW YORK – Dwayne De Rosario has a new home, and the New York Red Bulls have a new engine for their offense.

The Red Bulls acquired the five-time MLS Best XI selection via a trade with Toronto FC for two players and a future draft pick on Friday, giving New York head coach Hans Backe the playmaker he’s sought since taking the reins in the Big Apple last season.

The Red Bulls shipped talented young defensive midfielder and 2010 MLS SuperDraft pick Tony Tchani and South African midfielder Danleigh Borman to Toronto, along with their first-round pick in the 2012 SuperDraft.

De Rosario is eligible to play in New York’s matchup against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday (7:30 pm ET, Matchday Live, Direct Kick), while Tchani and Borman are eligible to play when Toronto host Chivas USA (1 pm ET, TSN).

-- The New York Red Bulls won their opening game of the 2011 Emirates Cup with a 1-0 win over French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

The game’s only goal came from New York midfielder Joel Lindpere, who slotted home after a great through ball from forward Juan Agudelo.

The Red Bulls side put in a solid defensive display as a new look PSG put them under intense pressure, especially late on in the second half as they searched for an equalizer.

But marshaled by stand-in captain Tim Ream — Thierry Henry and Rafael Márquez were both rested ahead of Sunday’s match-up with Arsenal — the New York defense rarely looked flustered as they completed an impressive start to their Emirates Cup campaign